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Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green has not fallen off

By Tony Pesta

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during a game against the LA Clippers during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during a game against the LA Clippers during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Draymond Green has been the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors for years and this has not changed.

The Golden State Warriors have relied heavily on Draymond Green over the years. His never-ending motor and defensive intensity has helped lift the Dubs through some of their toughest moments. Without Green, there would be no dynasty.

Though he has consistently been one of the best players on the best team in basketball this decade, Green never gets the recognition he deserves. Sure, when he was winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award, Green received a ton of credit. But, recently, Green has found himself a victim of slander.

Last season, Green was mocked relentlessly for his poor shooting and attitude. Any time he argued with a ref or teammate, he was blasted online. His numbers dipped and the team struggled a bit, resulting in many people considering Green “washed up”.

This trend has now reached its peak with a majority of fans believing Green is past his days of being valuable. The casual fan would go as far as to say Green has no talent whatsoever and is a product of a system.

Draymond may have had a poor shooting season, connecting on just 28.5 percent of his shots from deep. However, his defensive presence was still there and he is always a creative playmaker. Not many players with his size are capable of rebounding the ball, pushing the tempo, and drawing in defenders to find open shooters or cutters on the break.

Furthermore, Green is adept at rolling off of a screen, catching the ball and promptly lobbing it up to one of the big men on the weakside. This is a play we have seen him down countless times.

In the Playoffs, Green proved he was still elite. Increasing his numbers in nearly every way, Green was a major reason the Dubs reached the NBA Finals and pushed the Toronto Raptors to six games.

Notable Playoff games from Green last year:

  • 16 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 blocks
  • 19 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists
  • 20 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists, 4 steals
  • 18 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
  • 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists
  • 11 points, 19 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks

Next. The Warriors are going to shock the world. dark

To say that Green accomplishes any of this due to simply “being a system player” is ridiculous. Whether you like it or not, Green is an elite player and a crucial member of the Warriors. With him healthy, the Dubs have a deadly weapon to help them get through this upcoming season.

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